Cornwall has 'come back to life' after first week of Tier 1 coronavirus restrictions
Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has reported on how businesses are doing
Business bosses say that Cornwall has 'come back to life' following the first week of Tier 1 coronavirus restrictions.
On December 2nd, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly joined the Isle of Wight in being the only regions categorised in the lowest level of restrictions in the post lockdown tier system.
Cornwall Chamber of Commerce puts the Duchy’s medium risk level down to the strength of its unitary authority status, and local authorities, organisations and businesses all pulling together back in March to come up with a plan.
It says that over the last week, the Duchy has come back to life with businesses opening their doors again just in time for the Christmas rush.
“The excitement has been palpable here in Cornwall as locals have enjoyed a mulled wine in a café after a walk, Christmas meals out with friends, or popped into a small independent shop to buy their Christmas presents.”
Kim Conchie, Chief Executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
But bosses say after a bumper summer, Cornwall’s hospitality and tourism sectors still need to take every opportunity possible in order to begin recovering from the months either side of the summer season when they weren’t allowed to trade.
Over the last month, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has ramped up its #choosecornish campaign to get locals to source their Christmas presents and supplies locally. It has also encouraged people to go for that Christmas drink or socially distanced meal, now that they are able to.
“Businesses in Cornwall are feeling energised and extremely humbled to have been given this opportunity in the run up to Christmas that so many businesses throughout the UK haven’t.
“The general consensus from our members is that they are recruiting, rather than laying off. The green shoots of recovery are beginning to be seen.”
Kim Conchie, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
Cornwall Chamber believes a careful balance must now be struck between Cornwall enjoying its Tier 1 status and risking the status being changed.
Conchie said: “We are feeling very fortunate but there is definitely an undertone of caution to our excitement here in Cornwall.”
“The last thing we want to do is have our tier status changed. We must all be careful and give the Duchy the very best chance of getting through this pandemic in good shape.”